GMC Sierra 1500 vs. Chevy Colorado
For anyone in the market for a pickup truck in 2024, there are plenty of new and used options to consider. Two popular models in this sector continue to be the GMC Sierra 1500 and the Chevy Colorado, offering similar engine specs and impressive performance features.
However, some things set the two apart, including their designs and overall capability, which we will compare in this article. Stay tuned as we dive into past and current Sierra 1500 and Colorado models!
Comparing The GMC Sierra 1500 And The Chevy Colorado
Between the GMC Sierra 1500 and the Chevy Colorado, both pickup trucks boast impressive horsepower, torque, towing capacity, and interior and exterior specs, making them excellent options for work and personal driving.
On average, the GMC Sierra 1500 is more expensive than the Chevy Colorado and features tech, safety, and interior/exterior detailing to make up for the higher MSRP. It's bigger, boxier, and ready for any terrain.
The Chevy Colorado starts under $30,000 new and has a sportier look than the GMC Sierra. This truck has nice off-roading features and is rated well for its handling and overall performance.
Engine And Performance
We'll start with Sierra by comparing the engines between the GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevy Colorado. This pickup truck boasts a few engine options, including:
- 2.7-liter 4-cylinder: 310 horsepower, 420 pound-feet
- 3.0-liter 6-cylinder diesel: 277 horsepower, 460 pound-feet
- 5.3-liter V8: 355 horsepower, 383 pound-feet
- 6.2-liter V8: 420 horsepower, 460 pound-feet
You have 305 to 420 horsepower between the four engine options, making this a quick pickup truck on the road. It also pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission across the board. There is also a ten-speed automatic transmission in higher-trim Sierra models.
Now, onto the 2023 Chevy Colorado, drivers have a turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four engine with various outputs determined by trim level. Moreover, WT and LT models come standard with 237 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque.
Here are the outputs, depending on engine type for Colorado:
- 2.7L Turbo: 237 horses, 259 pound-feet
- 2.7L Turbo Plus: 310 horses, 390 pound-feet
- 2.7L Turbo High-Output: 310 horsepower, 430 pound-feet
Chevy Colorado models also rely on an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Towing And Payload Capacity
Moving to the towing and payload capacity of the GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevy Colorado pickups, these are different. In the 2022 Sierra 1500, you have an 8,800- to 9,400-pound max towing capacity and a payload capacity of 1,360- 2,270 pounds.
In the same-year Chevy Colorado, drivers see 3,500 to 7,000 pounds of towing capacity and a payload capacity of 1,270 to 1,560 pounds.
For 2023 and 2024 Chevy Colorado, your towing and payload capacities are as follows:
- 2023 towing capacity: 7,700 pounds
- 2023 payload capacity: 1,684 pounds
- 2024 towing capacity: 3,500 to 6,000 pounds
- 2024 payload capacity: 1,684 pounds
For the 2023 and 2024 GMC Sierra 1500:
- 2023 towing capacity: 8,700 to 9,500 pounds (13,000 with the Max Trailering Package)
- 2023 payload capacity: 1,320 to 2,270 pounds
- 2024 towing capacity: up to 13,300 pounds.
- 2024 payload capacity: 1,410 to 2,270 pounds
Better towing and payload capacity overall: GMC Sierra 1500
Interior And Exterior Features
Moving to the design of each truck, it's worth mentioning that the GMC Sierra 1500 has a more spacious interior cabin than the Chevy Colorado and more premier/luxury features. Because the GMC Sierra is more expensive and offers more trims to buyers, you can expect more attention to detail in this pickup model.
Outside, the Chevy Colorado shines for its rounded edges, fun look, and sporty detailing, while the Sierra 1500 has more of a refined boxy exterior.
Here are highlights between the Chevy Colorado and GMC Sierra 1500 below.
GMC Sierra 1500 Interior Specs:
- Standard cloth interior with front 40/20/40 bench seating.
- User controls are conveniently placed throughout the cabin.
- Material quality improves with trim levels, ensuring a more luxurious experience in higher trims.
- Starting from the SLE trim, a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument panel gives you access to your navigation/entertainment.
- Upper trims offer premium features like a heads-up display and a power-adjustable steering column.
GMC Sierra 1500 Exterior Specs:
- Exclusive to the Sierra, this model boasts a carbon-fiber-reinforced cargo bed
- Chrome exterior accents in higher trims
- LED headlights, fog lights, tail lights, and cargo bed lights
- Heated power adjustable and folding mirrors
- CornerStep rear bumper
Chevy Colorado Interior Specs:
- All Colorado models come in a four-door crew cab configuration
- A redesigned center console
- A new gauge cluster, infotainment screen, and steering wheel
- ZR2 models incorporate a lockable storage box in the tailgate, measuring 45 inches wide
- Two front bucket seats and bench rear seating
Chevy Colorado Exterior Specs:
- A bold front grille with rounded surrounding elements
- Front and rear bumpers
- LED lighting on Z71 and ZR2
- Wheel bolt patterns shared with Chevrolet full-size trucks
- 17-inch wheels on WT and LT/18-inch wheels on Z71 and Trail Boss
These interior and exterior features are based on the 2022 and 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevy Colorado models. 2024 will see a few new specs and upgrades between both pickup trucks.
Safety And Tech
Between these two pickup trucks' safety and technology, the GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevy Colorado have much to offer drivers. With driver-assistance tech and infotainment displays to help entertain and navigate, both trucks will offer top-line details.
GMC Sierra 1500 Safety Features:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available Super Cruise hands-free-driving tech
Technology:
- Standard 13.4-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Built-in Google software
- Available 12-speaker Bose audio system
- Optional wireless phone charging
- Added power points in higher trims
Chevy Colorado Safety Features:
- Standard forward collision warning
- Lane-keeping assist
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Pedestrian detection comes standard
Technology:
- 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Wireless phone-charging capability
- Google Built-In to handle navigation
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Between each model (2023 data used), there’s something for everyone in each pickup truck. The higher trims of the Sierra 1500 will see the most technology (wireless charging, etc.), and the same goes for Colorado models.
Even standard, however, both trucks in recent years boast nice safety and infotainment for you.
Both Models Are Worth It This Year
With this comparison finished, the GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevy Colorado are pickup trucks worth considering for 2024. New and used models offer endless tech, safety, interior/exterior details, and performance specs, with the Sierra 1500 being nicer across the board.
The Colorado is sporty, more compact than the Sierra 1500, and is great for people wanting to go off-road or adventuring. We'll see you soon at Tim's Truck Capital in South Epsom, New Hampshire!
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